England, 1870-1914

Oxford History of England #14

by Robert Charles Kirkwood Ensor

First published in 1936, this now-classic volume spans a time of rapid and far-reaching change in England--from Gladstone's first ministry, through the great contest with Disraeli, the Home Rule debate, the establishment of the Labour moverment, the Boer War, and the Liberal reforms of 1909-10, to the end of an era marked by the catastrophe of 1914. With stimulating analyses of social and economic developments as well as domestic and foreign policy, Ensor's account serves as a superb introduction to the period it covers and offers insight into the world of the 1930s in which it was written.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Victorian

634 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1936

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the Oxford History of England series on my shelves for a decade but it is only now that it has occurred to me that I should have a go of reading some of the volumes from cover t0 cover. I started with this one, vol 14, first published in 1936 and I have the 1987 reprint. A revelation. Although over 600 pages it is really only a summary, albeit a very good one, of the period under review. How Ensore got on top of his subject to the extent that he did is beyond me. The material listed in the bibliography at the end is so comprehensive and voluminous that a lifetime wouldn't be long enough to read all that is listed within it.

So how was it? Really interesting, especially the social and economic aspects. The political side less so as owing to that he had to provide an overview rather than treat each matter in detail, it is easy to get lost or confused. Having a thorough knowledge of this period and its political developments beforehand would be a useful asset. I was especially interested in his thesis that WWI was solely due to Germany preparing for it to an August 1914 timetable. His argument and the evidence he provides is persuasive, but I haven't seen it advanced so forthrightly elsewhere. If you have the time and inclination, I would definitely recommend trying to read one of these volumes from cover to cover

[Legens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-informed overview of the period, especially its political debates as they were had in parliament and cabinet. Insightful on the development of the media. Some of the views are dated (especially in regard to the colonies), and the English nationalism pervasive through the tome deducts from the impartiality a scholar should strive for.
As for the use of „England“: Politically, the book deals with the entirety of the UK (Irish Home Rule is easily the most discussed topic). In the chapters on the economy, institutions as well as mental and social history, the distinction is not so clear – English matters seem to dominate, but Irish, Scottish, and Welsh are mentioned as well.

[Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my view better than AJP Taylor.

[Earl McElfresh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a 5 star but as an American there was so much that would be familiar to an educated Englishman that was very arcane to an American.